Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma has found himself in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons this season, despite not featuring once under Thomas Frank. The Mali international arrived at Spurs in 2022 after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dominant holding midfielders during his time at Brighton. Yet, it is fair to say that his time at N17 simply hasn’t gone to plan.
Bissouma played an important role in Tottenham’s Europa League triumph last season, starting several key knockout matches under Ange Postecoglou as Spurs ended their long-standing trophy drought. His footballing talent has never been the issue. Instead, it has been his off-the-field behaviour that has repeatedly dragged him into controversy and ultimately cost him his place once Frank took charge.
The midfielder was swiftly removed from the first-team setup by the Danish coach after repeatedly arriving late to team meetings. That disciplinary breach set off a chain reaction, with Bissouma quickly being linked with a summer exit as it became clear he had fallen out of favour. A move, however, never materialised, leaving Spurs with little choice but to keep him until the January window.
Frank has now had enough time to assess Bissouma’s future, and the outlook appears bleak for the 28-year-old. A combination of injuries and disciplinary problems has prevented him from making a single appearance this season. With his Spurs contract entering its final months, there is growing expectation that the club will look to cash in on him in January rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Bissouma has now returned to the headlines once again for negative reasons. Recent reports claim the midfielder is facing fresh disciplinary action after filming himself inhaling laughing gas earlier this week. Spurs have launched an internal investigation, with Thomas Frank insisting that “the right decision will be taken” once all facts are reviewed.
However, the mood inside the club is clear: patience has run out. According to TALKsport, Tottenham have already decided to part ways with Bissouma in the upcoming window as they look to draw a line under the recurring off-field issues. The report adds that Galatasaray are interested and could move for him if he is available at a reduced price for the remainder of the season.
Spurs have shown considerable leniency with Bissouma over the past two seasons. Under Postecoglou, he was also embroiled in controversy, including reports of inhaling nitrous oxide that led to a one-game ban. Now, under Frank, the same pattern has resurfaced, and this time, the manager appears unwilling to offer another chance.
Tottenham could certainly use Bissouma’s quality on the pitch right now. But his latest absence is a clear reminder that he has ruled himself out through his own poor decisions. With only months left on his contract, the most sensible option for Spurs is to sell him in January and recover whatever value they can before he departs.
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